Your Nastiest Nail Issues Solved

We all deal with chipped polish and a hangnail here and there. Next time you have a nail issue that's truly gross, here's what to do about it

Paronychia While paronychia sounds like a rare disease you pick up while bushwacking through a jungle, this infection is actually pretty common. When you cut your cuticles or the skin around your nails, water can seep in and create the ideal climate for microorganisms to thrive. An infection eventually causes the skin to swell and puss.

Bailey suggests using an over-the-counter Lotrimin solution, an anti-fungal medicine (it's usually sold as a cream, but Bailey says to get the liquid version in a dropper bottle). Just drip the solution into your nail fold and open skin. And always apply rubbing alcohol after your hands touch water. If it swells and becomes tender then you should see a doctor -- especially if there's pus.